No Fishing Allowed At Drinking Water Dams

9 May 2008 19/2008


No fishing allowed at drinking water dams
A senior Department of Fisheries compliance manager is reminding the community that no
fishing is allowed in Western Australia's drinking water dams.
Compliance Manager for the Southern Metropolitan Region John Breeden has issued the
warning, following a spate of apprehensions that will see eight people face court in the next few
weeks, over alleged fishing offences that have occurred since September.
"As well as the upcoming court matters, we also had another case late last month in which three
men pleaded guilty to taking 193 marron from Mundaring Weir, where the catchment is a no
fishing area," Mr Breeden said.
In the Midland Court (on 24 April 2008), 31-year-old Danny Scott McCue from Koongamia,
Timmothy John Hauser, aged 27, of Alfred Cove and 29-year-old Glenn Colin Smith from
Rockingham were ordered to pay fines, penalties and costs amounting to almost $27,000.
Mr Breeden said Fisheries and Marine Officers and Water Corporation Officers apprehended the
men at Mundaring Weir on 9 March, during a joint patrol of the catchment area.
"Fisheries and Water Corporation officers often do joint patrols at drinking water dams near
Perth and in the South West of the State and some Water Corporation officers are also Honorary
Fisheries Officers, so these dams are under frequent surveillance," he said.
"We would also encourage assistance from members of the public, who notice any suspicious
fishing activity anywhere. They should call FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507.
"Depending on the circumstances, people who are found to have been fishing in the catchment
areas of our drinking water dams could be charged with a range of offences under laws
administered by the Department of Fisheries or the Department of Water."
Members of the public also need to be aware that Logue Brook Dam was gazetted as a drinking
water dam last Friday 2 May 2008 and as a result is now a no fishing area.
Heavy penalties apply if offenders are found fishing within these waters. For example catching
marron out of season could attract a maximum fine of $5,000 as a first offender, with an
additional mandatory penalty of $40 per marron. Penalties under the Metropolitan Water Supply
regulations for pollution and being inside a prohibited zone may also apply.
Details about marron fishing and the rules that apply are available from Department of Fisheries'
offices or they can be downloaded from the department's website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ashley Malone Ph: 9203 0357
Principal Media Liaison Officer Mobile: 0418 901 767

Report all suspected illegal fishing activity to FISHWATCH 1800 815 507